Western Australia’s “Spud King” Tony Galati has made a $14 million deal to buy two major orchards in the South West.

The Galati Group, best known for its Spudshed supermarkets and low-cost produce, has purchased Redland farm and Guadagnino Orchards, both in Manjimup.

The two orchards produce a wide range of fruit including Bravo, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Gala and Golden Delicious apples, as well as pears, cherries, stone fruit and avocados.

Mr Galati said settlement was due next month.

“We’ve taken ownership of one of the farms and will settle the second next month,” he said.

“It’s about ensuring we can offer top-quality apples and avocados at fair prices, all year round.”

A middle-aged man holds handfuls of apples while standing in a packing shed full of boxes of apples.

Ray Guadagnino’s family owns one of the orchards the Galatis plan to buy. (ABC Rural: Jessica Hayes)

A spokesperson for the Guadagnino family, which has owned one of the orchards for decades, said the sale was being negotiated. 

But they were pleased their property would be taken over by the Galatis.

“We’re very happy it’s going to a good family,” the spokesperson said.

“They have the same values as us — that’s important to us.”

Vegetables WA chief executive Peter Spackman said the acquisition was unlikely to negatively impact smaller producers and could strengthen WA’s food security.

“We shouldn’t see too much of a difference,” he said.

“We’d always like to see small family businesses stay in the industry, but we also understand there’s a bit of pressure on in the market.

“If they’ve got the opportunity to exit while we’re continuing to supply food to WA and continue on food security, that’s a good thing.”

Apples in a box in a packing shed.

The South West orchards produce a wide range of fruit. (ABC Rural: Jessica Hayes)

Galati Group chief executive Frankie Galati said the investment reflected the company’s commitment to regional WA.

“Initially we wanted to ensure that we had a good supply of apples for our shops and retailers,” he said.

“We’ve got a large customer base and we’ve found that the apple supply over the last few years has been very tight.

“We wanted to ensure that we got a consistent supply, and that’s part of the investment.”

The family is also expanding its retail footprint, with a new Spudshed store opening in Kalgoorlie later this month.

Other outlets are planned in Albany and Geraldton next year.